ARLINGTON - Hazel Doris Rockhold, 85, went to be with our Lord on April 26, 2007. She died peacefully at the Johnson County Nursing Center in Olathe. She was born in Carter, Okla., to Hugh and Mary Bullard on June 26, 1921.

Hazel attended Southwestern University in Weatherford, Okla., and graduated with a degree in secondary education. Throughout the years, she continued her graduate work, first earning a master's and specialist's degrees in guidance and counseling.

She had a long and rewarding career in education, beginning in Kansas high schools, advancing to the junior college level and the Kansas State Department of Education, then on to federal educational projects in Washington, D.C. Through her efforts in writing federal proposals, she helped secure several significant monetary grants for Kansas schools.

She was a longtime Hutchinson area resident. Throughout her very active professional life, she continued to help countless students receive scholarships and academic aid to various colleges and technical schools.

Hazel became active in local politics and was appointed Reno County Democratic Party chairperson. She also assisted in the campaigns and successful elections of Kansas Democratic politicians at the local, state and national level.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Hutchinson, Kansas National Education Association; Order Of Eastern Star; Ninnescah Study Club.

She married Delvin Leon Rockhold on April 12, 1942 in Altus, Okla. He died April 30, 1994. They were married for 52 years.

Hazel is survived by a son Jerry Rockhold, Olathe; a daughter, Kay Berstch and husband, Forrest, Kansas City, Mo.; a sister; Marilyn Eldridge, California; and three grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Rockhold, and Jessica Bertsch.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Jim Autrey presiding. Friends can sign the register from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at the mortuary. Family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time Monday at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, in care of the mortuary, 1219 North Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.